Michael Sozan

Senior Fellow

Michael Sozan is the senior vice president for Government Affairs at American Progress. In this capacity, he has principal responsibility for managing American Progress’ relationships with the executive branch, Congress, and state elected officials. He joined American Progress after two decades of work in the federal government and the private sector.

From 2004 to 2015, Michael served in increasingly senior positions on Capitol Hill, where he oversaw successful strategies to implement common-sense, progressive policies designed to help the middle class and to enhance national security.

Immediately before joining American Progress, Michael worked for six years as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO). As Sen. Udall’s top advisor, he managed the senator’s policy, political, communications, and administrative teams, guiding them to significant victories in areas such as clean energy, intelligence community reform, and consumer rights. Additionally, Michael was the principal point person on the senator’s groundbreaking work that helped repeal the military’s outmoded Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

From 2006 to 2008, Michael served as the legislative director for Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), where, among other achievements, he implemented the successful strategy that led to the passage of a modernized G.I. education bill for post-9/11 veterans. Before that, Michael was Commerce Committee counsel to Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), who now serves as the ranking member of that committee.

Michael also worked as an attorney in the executive branch for the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as at the Federal Communications Commission. Michael’s private-sector work includes practicing law at the international law firm of Arnold & Porter LLP, where he counseled corporate clients in the areas of technology and telecommunications while maintaining an active pro bono practice focused on protecting asylum seekers’ and immigrants’ rights.

Immediately after his graduation from The George Washington University Law School, Michael served as a judicial law clerk on the Virginia Court of Appeals. He graduated from the College of William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in government.